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Canada’s immigration minister is something of a global anomaly at the moment.

Not only is Ahmed Hussen a former refugee, but someone who loudly and regularly advocates the benefits of immigration in what he calls a “world of closing doors”.

Mr Hussen spoke at the University of New South Wales on Friday as part of his multi-city visit to Australia, where he championed a more progressive stance on immigration and refugee policy.
And for him, the topic is not just a portfolio, but a lived experience.
At 16, Mr Hussen escaped the civil war in Somalia and fled to Canada. He went on to study and practice law, before becoming the country’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship last year.

Once again the Year 11 Manual Arts Students at Blaxland High School, under the guidance of automotive teacher, Shaun Halden have restored a car which would have otherwise be destined for the scrap heap and donated it to a refugee.

The old Volvo – known as Goldie – which was donated by Rose Wilesmith of Warrimoo, was handed over to BMRSG on 8 June and will now be owned by refugee Hadi, who will use it to get to his work and also to the metal fabrication course he attends at Ultimo TAFE three nights a week.Read more

Listen to this clear explanation of what is happening to 12500 people on 18 June when they lose there allowances of $35 a day and what has happened to them since they arrived 2012/13. Why haven’t they worked? Why haven’t they learnt English? All the answers are here. Have you heard about the harsh cutsRead more

A little more than a year ago two members of BMRSG met with Aasha (not her real name) who had escaped a horrific situation in India with the help of friends. Once she arrived in Australia she applied for asylum. Aasha was being supported by a STARTTS counsellor, her rent was mostly being paid by a leading charity which aids refugees, so BMRSG agreed to pay her $60 per week towards the rent plus $20 for her ongoing medications and fares.

A few months later the charity said they were no longer able to pay Aasha’s rent. So, it appeared Aasha would be on the streets. Read more

Latha and Bobbi arrived in 2013 and since that time they have established their new life by working, education and training and created a vegetable with two small children. This is a story of how one couple has managed to survive and thrive despite the difficulties that Australia places in front of those seeking asylum. Refugees do contribute. Read more

Three years ago I was introduced to an asylum seeker family with a bubbly 4 year old and a very pregnant mum. A few weeks later twin girls arrived. Sri’s dream was to always have his own market garden. In his suburban block he grew so many chilies he was selling them to local shops.
This week the first crop, 4,500 zucchini plants, go to market and they will plant a crop of tomatoes in a glass house.Read more